Pop sheet music

The five formats, and who each is for

Piano/vocal/guitar (PVG) is the default: melody line, lyrics, piano accompaniment, guitar chord symbols. It suits a singer with an accompanist, or a pianist who sings. Easy piano is a simplified re-arrangement, usually in a friendlier key. Piano solo puts the melody into the piano part so it works without a singer.

Guitar tab transcribes the recorded guitar part. A lead sheet gives melody, chords and lyrics on one page and nothing else — cheapest, most flexible, and useless if you wanted the actual arrangement. Retailers describe these inconsistently, so the arrangement labels on each result are worth reading before you buy.

Official editions and why keys differ

An official published edition is transcribed and licensed by the publisher who controls the song. It is not always identical to the record: published keys are frequently moved to something more singable or more playable, and arrangements simplify studio production into something two hands can manage.

If you need to play along with the recording, check the key before buying. If you are performing it yourself, the published key is often the better choice anyway.